Menzies Aviation recently announced the commencement of cargo operations at Baghdad International Airport by MASIL, its joint venture with Iraqi Airways. It has launched the ‘Cargo Go Live’ initiative and a manifesto to create a world-class cargo terminal at the airport.
MASIL has been listed as the United Iraqi Company for Airports and Ground Handling Services. It is also a joint venture between Menzies Aviation, Iraqi Airways, Air BP Limited and Al Burhan Group. It was awarded by the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority (ICAA) for delivering a full suite of group handling, cargo and fuelling services at the airport. Following this, it began operations at Baghdad International Airport in January this year. It is said to be the first license of its kind to be awarded by ICAA to a foreign aviation services company.
MASIL has employed 65 employees who will be providing cargo services at Iraq’s airport to customers including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, DHL, MNG Airlines, Silk Way Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Egypt Air, flydubai and Middle East Airlines. The Cargo Go Live initiative along with MASIL joint venture partners plan to enrich the customer experience and safety standards at the airport. These employees are to undertake a range of Menzies Aviation cargo training modules that include safety management of dangerous goods, security and specialised handling techniques.
The firm is planning on a long-term strategy for developing a cargo centre of excellence at Baghdad International Airport. Thus it is looking to upgrade the safety and sustainability of operations along with compliance and accountability. It is to note that the JV partners are also implementing advanced and bespoke technological solutions that will help streamline the process of handling cargo.